Gambling has become a major industry in the state of New Jersey, generating billions in revenue each year from casinos, online gambling, and sports betting. However, issues surrounding problem gambling and addiction still exist.
Recently, MGM Resorts International —owner of Borgata Online Casino and a large gaming property in Atlantic City — announced a $360,000 donation to help address these important issues through scientific research. The casino operator also funded several other major initiatives in New Jersey to promote responsible gambling and minimize risks.
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MGM Donates $360,000 to Problem Gambling Research
Gambling can be a fun recreational activity when done responsibly. However, it can lead to significant personal and financial consequences for some.
In January 2024, MGM Resorts provided a $360,000 donation to the International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG) to support continued research into problem gambling and responsible gaming initiatives. The ICRG is a leading non-profit organization funding science-based research and evidence-based education programs for responsible gambling worldwide.
The donation from MGM specifically supports two new ICRG projects. One project aims to understand better why some people transition from recreational to disordered gambling. This research hopes to pave the way for more effective, responsible gaming tools, resources, and policies by identifying risk factors and triggers.
The second project funded by MGM focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of various responsible gambling messaging campaigns. This includes testing messages delivered through digital channels and on slot machines. The goal is to guide regulators and operators on best practices for communicating responsible gaming resources.
Both research initiatives will take place over the next two years and will be led by expert scientists and scholars. Initial findings are expected by early 2025. The news came just weeks before a US District Court Judge ruled in favor of MGM Resorts and its Atlantic City property Borgata, saying that casinos have “no duty to stop” problem gamblers from betting, as reported by the Washington Post.
BetMGM Staff Trained in Responsible Gaming Protocols
In addition to funding vital research, MGM actively trains BetMGM sports betting brand staff in responsible gaming protocols. All BetMGM customer service representatives must complete training programs focused on problem gambling awareness and intervention.
The training curriculum covers how to identify signs of potential gambling disorders, have sensitive conversations, and connect customers to help resources. This prioritizes consumer protection alongside commercial goals.
Staff also learn how to guide customers to tools like deposit limits, timeout periods, and self-exclusion programs. These features allow players to control their experience and gambling spend, which helped New Jersey casinos cross the $6 billion mark last year.
BetMGM aims to normalize conversations about risks and minimize gambling harms by embedding responsible gaming approaches throughout operations. The brand also prominently advertises its platform’s national problem gambling hotline number.
Problem Gambling Campaign Launched in New Jersey
MGM also supports statewide public awareness initiatives, complementing its internal focus on responsible gambling. This includes being a lead sponsor for New Jersey’s first-ever dedicated problem gambling campaign launched in late 2022.
The ‘Bettor in the Know’ campaign primarily targets potential problem gamblers through digital channels. It shares information about risks, self-assessment tools, and treatment resources in a non-judgmental tone. The goal is to empower at-risk individuals to make informed choices and access help if needed.
In addition to digital ads, the campaign includes educational materials and toolkits for partners like schools, workplaces, healthcare providers, and community groups. This facilitates broader conversations about balancing entertainment gambling with personal well-being.
The ‘Bettor in the Know’ campaign was developed through collaboration between the New Jersey Department of Health, the state Council on Compulsive Gambling, and the Casino Association of New Jersey. MGM’s BetMGM brand, alongside Caesars Entertainment, are lead sponsors, providing vital funding and advisory support.
Initiative Aligns with MGM’s Nationwide Commitments
MGM’s recent responsible gaming efforts in New Jersey align with the company’s nationwide commitments to consumer protection. Across all states where it operates casinos and betting platforms, MGM actively partners with problem gambling councils, research centers, and regulators.
MGM has implemented various responsible gambling initiatives throughout the United States. These initiatives include providing financial support for free helpline services and treatment programs in multiple states. The operator contributes to state-level public awareness campaigns to educate the public about the risks associated with gambling and available resources for help.
MGM plays a role in advising on responsible gambling regulatory policies and voluntary codes of conduct. The company also promotes staff training programs focusing on responsible gambling, intervention, and digital safety. More importantly, the Borgata owner actively participates in multi-stakeholder forums to share best practices in the industry.
Sustained Focus Needed as Online Gambling Grows
With New Jersey home to one of the nation’s largest legal online gambling markets, efforts to minimize risks remain critically important in protecting consumers.
Total sports betting handle reached $10 billion in New Jersey during 2022 alongside robust iGaming revenues. This reflects rapidly growing public participation in mobile wagering and casino games.
And with recent amendments allowing licensees to offer online casino games across state borders, responsible gambling measures will be vital for consumer well-being nationally.
While most individuals can enjoy gambling responsibly as entertainment, increased participation statistically means more people potentially developing gambling disorders or experiencing harm. This makes ongoing investment in scientific research, staff training, public education, and treatment access critically important.
By taking a leadership role in responsible gambling locally, MGM Resorts sets an example for businesses to emphasize ethical considerations alongside commercial goals. With other major operators and regulators also dedicating resources to address problem gambling, New Jersey aims to facilitate responsible market growth benefiting consumers and the wider economy.
Wrapping Up
The ICRG’s research, fueled by MGM Resorts’ contribution, represents a positive step forward in addressing responsible gambling concerns within New Jersey’s thriving gaming industry. By prioritizing prevention, early intervention, and effective messaging, these initiatives hold the potential to create a safer and more responsible gambling environment for all involved.
